PARLIAMENT NEWS
ISLAMABAD: The Session of the Lower house of Parliamant begins at 11:30am to pass legislation on 27th constitutional Amendment presented in the house by the Law Minister, Azam Nazeer Tarar.
59-clause amendment seeks to overhaul military, judicial structures of the country.
The Upper House of the Parlimwnt The Senate have passed 27th Amendment Bill amid opposition walkout.
Law Minister Tarar presented the 27th Constitutional Amendment bill in the National Assembly as the crucial session began on Tuesday, a day after the Senate approved the key legislation seeking major judicial and military reforms with a two-thirds majority.
The 59-clause amendment, passed by the Senate on Monday, seeks to overhaul the country’s military and judicial structures.
It was moved by Law Minister Tarar and secured 64 votes in the 96-member House, with no votes against it as opposition lawmakers boycotted the proceedings and tore up their copies in protest.
Apart from treasury members, ANP’s senators, PTI-backed Saifullah Abro, and JUI-F’s Ahmed Khan also supported the bill.
In a surprise move, Abro refrained from joining the protest and later announced his resignation from the Senate.
The lower house session, scheduled for 11:00am, began half an hour late with prayers offered for PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, who passed away on Monday night.
Speaking on the floor of NA, Tarar said: “[The] Senate has passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill with a two-thirds majority. In the joint parliamentary committee, the opposition should also have attended the session.”
During his speech, the opposition benches staged a strong protest over the 27th Constitutional Amendment and raised slogans.
“World over, constitutional benches handle matters related to the Constitution… judicial appointments are made through judicial commissions. In Pakistan, we have established a proper procedure and removed the powers of suo motu action in this bill,” said the law minister while explaining the 27th Amendment.
Tarar further explained the changes regarding judicial transfers, saying: “Previously, under Article 200, judges were transferred, and these transfers were often challenged. The judicial commission is now authorised to transfer judges. If a judge refuses a transfer, they will be considered retired. The commission will include five judges from the Supreme Court and Federal Constitutional Court, and two members each from the government and opposition.”
“Provincial matters and constitutional cases will be handled by the Federal Constitutional Court, while the Supreme Court will hear over 62,000 cases, including civil and other matters,” he added.
Tarar also highlighted the role of the military in Pakistan’s defence and the reforms proposed under the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
“The military played a crucial role when India attacked, and the entire House witnessed unity against the threat. After our victory, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Arab countries praised and supported us,” he added.
The law minister explained the status of military ranks, stating: “The appointment of the army chief is made under the Army Act. A Field Marshal is a rank held in many countries and remains a lifetime honour. Appointments in the armed forces are based on rank, and the Field Marshal distinction continues to be a lifelong title.”
He added: “After a Field Marshal receives the rank, it is necessary to bring it within constitutional limits. We were part of the war committee and observed the army chief demonstrating exceptional performance and skill.”
Tarar further touched on constitutional provisions regarding presidential exemption, saying: “A special exemption has been proposed for the president… if the president returns to public office, the exemption will end. We request that this matter be debated and then put to a vote.”
On the proposed 27th Amendment, Tarar said: “Out of 59, 47 amendments were made due to the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court. I urge our opposition [bench members] to listen to each other and make constructive suggestions.
